JPA Health Communications Adds Michael O’Brien to Leadership Team

WASHINGTON - Jan. 19, 2016 - PRLog -- WASHINGTON—JPA Health Communications, a top public relations agency specializing in healthcare, is positioned to continue strong growth with the addition of Michael O’Brien as executive vice president and head of its Washington, D.C. office. O’Brien brings more than 20 years of experience in healthcare communications, advocacy and influencer relations to his leadership role. He specializes in many therapeutic areas, science and R&D communications, and external and internal communications at the national and international levels.

“It’s exciting to see how our current and new clients will benefit from Michael’s healthcare and leadership expertise,” said Carrie Jones, principal and managing director of JPA. “His ability to understand industry issues and reach key opinion leaders makes him a great asset to JPA.”

Prior to joining JPA, O’Brien was global head of corporate communications for MedImmune, the global biologics R&D arm of AstraZeneca. There he served on both the MedImmune executive leadership team and the AstraZeneca Global Corporate Affairs leadership team. O’Brien also was a senior vice president responsible for the healthcare business unit for IMRE, a national public relations firm.  He worked as a vice president in the global healthcare practice of FleishmanHillard; and, was a partner at MGH, the largest full-service marketing/communications agency in Maryland, where he built and managed the public relations and social media divisions.

O’Brien’s therapeutic area experience includes oncology, respiratory, autoimmunity, inflammation, cardiovascular, metabolic, infectious disease, vaccines, neuroscience/mental health, and rare diseases. His former client experience includes: Weight Watchers International, the American Psychological Association, Merck, Teva Neuroscience, GSK, Pfizer, Quintiles Corp., Susan G. Komen, SAIC, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Sheppard Pratt Health System, the National Disability Rights Network and the American Dental Association.

O’Brien holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in English-Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Delaware. His impressive record of achievement for his clients includes 100 industry awards and three PRSA Silver Anvil Awards – the industry’s highest recognition. O’Brien lives outside of Baltimore, Md.